THE I.S.U. UPDATE

Volunteers will be at all Mill gates September 23, 1999 in order to collect donations for the Shelby Kamarec Fund.
The five year old daughter of I.S.U. hourly member Tom Kamarec recently had her second brain tumor operation.
Tom, who was laid-off since last year said he is very appreciative of the donation drive.
"Most of the medical bills have been covered by insurance but my wife took some time off from work to help care for our daughter while she was recuperating," Kamarec said.
The Kamarecs also have an eight year old daughter, Stacey.
"Its been a little tight since I’ve been laid off from the Mill but at least we have insurance to cover the medical bills," Kamarec added.
The Union’s Executive Committee agreed to the one day donation drive in order to help out a union brother in need.

 Washington, D.C. Testimony
By Mark Glyptis

The Independent Steelworkers Union has been invited to testify in Washington, D.C. before the panel preparing the rules and regulations for the Emergency Steel, Oil, and Gas Guarantee Loan Program.
I will be at the Commerce Department September 22^nd to provide the panel of the Union’s perspective of the program that could see Weirton Steel borrow up to $250 million at a low rate.
It is important for you to know the I.S.U. played a very key role in lobbying for the legislation, originally sponsored by West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd.
And our position on the program is we would like to see the loan program rules include allocation of the monies for the start-up of idled production units.
As you know, the I.S.U. has been pushing very hard to see Number Four Blast Furnace brought back on line. We believe it will be cheaper to make our own slabs than to produce them overseas.
The loan program could provide the company with the financial support it needs to bring the blast furnace back on-line.

Food Fund
By Jim Andreozzi

We are now starting to collect payroll deductions for the Independent Steelworkers Union Food Fund.
The payroll deduction cards for the I.S.U. Food Fund will hopefully be in your upcoming paychecks. Or just ask your steward for a payroll deduction card, fill it out and mail it to the payroll department.
We recently handed out $40 food vouchers to our laid-off Union brothers and sisters. If you know of anyone who did not receive a food voucher, please contact me at the Union Hall (304) 748-8080.

Blast Furnace Update
By Dave Gossett

An expert on Blast Furnaces recently inspected the top of No. 1 Blast Furnace to make recommendations on possible repairs.
Blast Furnace Supervisors have told the Union they are now planning for a repair turn of approximately 1 ½ days for later this month.
Supervision believes the recommended repair work will allow the No. 1 Blast Furnace to operate at full wind.
More extensive repairs may come next year if and when No.4 blast furnace is put back into service.

Steward Election

Pete Zias recently retired from the mill and his position as Union Steward for the Fuel Department and Quality Lab.
The Union is now in the process of conducting a special interim election to fill the position until the next regular union election next year.
Good luck to Pete Zias in his retirement!

Merger Talk

Talk about a deal with Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel remain just that at this time.
As we went to press, the Union was told the talks between the two Ohio Valley steel companies are continuing.
"It’s hard to say if the deal is good or bad or if it will even become reality. We do know both sides are still talking," I.S.U. President Mark Glyptis remarked.
He said the Union would continue to monitor the situation.

Ergonomic Team
By Delbert Littleton

The I.S.U. and Weirton Steel are currently working on creating a new awareness of the philosophy of ergonomics and how that program can be implemented in the mill.
In my capacity as the I.S.U. Safety Chairman, I have been appointed Chairman of the Corporate-wide Ergonomic Steering Committee.
We still have a long way to go but it is imperative we begin to review jobs that can be performed with less stress on our employees’ bodies.
One way is to review all accidents and injuries to determine if the accident or injury could have been prevented through the use of available tools or equipment.
The important thing is to get involved in your area ergonomics team. Together we can make our jobs easier on our co-workers and ourselves.

Firefighters Honored
By Larry Garafalo

Six members of the Weirton Steel Fire Department recently competed in the 24^th annual State of West Virginia EMS and Firefighting Competition in Fairmont, West Virginia.
The Weirton Steel Challenge Team of Danielle Thomas, Scott Richards, Greg Salkovick, Brady Mermon was awarded first place. Brady Mermon was also awarded Outstanding Individual in the Combat Challenge.
And the Firefighting Team of Thomas, Richards, Salkovick, Mermon and DeHammer took third place honors in that category.
Congratulations to an excellent group of people!

Brothers and Sisters

Deonna Johnson Woolard of Lenexa, Virginia recently received her Ph.D. in Physics from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
She is the daughter of Bill & Diane Johnson of Weirton. Bill is a 33 year I.S.U. member and currently works as an operator at the Boiler House Central Control.

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